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FEC Deciding Future of Political Blogs
* * Beatles-Beatles wrote to mention a bill entitled "The Online Freedom of Speech Act". The act, if passed, would make the Internet into a form of media subject to campaign finance laws. From the article: "Amid the explosion of political activity on the Internet, a federal court has instructed the six-member Federal Election Commission to draw up regulations that would extend the nation's campaign finance and spending limits to the Web. The FEC, in its initial rules, had exempted the Internet. Bloggers told the Committee on House Administration that regulations encompassing the Internet, even ones just on advertising, would have a chilling effect on free speech. The FEC vice chairman also questioned the necessity of any rules." Update: 09/23 15:33 GMT by Z : Edited to correct Congress != FEC.
They'll probably just turn blogs over to the jurisdiction of the Department of Homeland Security. You're good to go if you have the platinum "Gannon" license for internet bloggification. After several background and body-cavity searches, naturally.
... and then they built the supercollider.
What am I missing here. How is campaign finance related to freedom of speech?
You are aware they have guns, right?
You are aware that you can vote, right?
I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
You know, (pauses to draw on cigarette) ve hav vays to make you blog.
No folly is more costly than the folly of intolerant idealism. - Winston Churchill
Why, yes. It's made of latex and has five fingers.
... and then they built the supercollider.
And if there was ever a place for this .. its right here.
4) Profit
-- Knowing too much can get you killed, but knowing who knows too much can make you rich.
"The FEC vice chairman also questioned the necessity of any rules."
Sometimes, I question the necessity of a government.